Counter-drone technology for VIP convoy protection

When it comes to protecting VIPs, convoys are important. Convoys like this travel publicly and sometimes, dangerous routes, and the threat of attack is a reality. A new danger is emerging due to drone technology becoming more common and accessible. This necessitates creative counter-drone strategies.

It is as vital to protect the convoy’s precious cargo against rogue drones, as physical security is. Making proven mobile counter-drone technology, from a company like Sentrycs Integrated Counter Drone Solutions, is an absolute necessity.

The risks rogue drones pose

Drones can typically be fitted with various technologies to perform espionage from a remote-controlled position. Making them ideal for recording sensitive information or conversations and taking compromising photographs. Posing a real threat to the privacy of the security convoy operation and of those being protected.

The success of any VIP convoy balances on the ability of the convoy to reach its final destination. Part of this operation includes a well-planned route aimed at being as unpredictable as possible. Drones have the ability to monitor vast areas in a small amount of time. Allowing the operators of these drones to discover the route the convoy is taking and silently follow the convoy as it proceeds. Threat actors could potentially use this location information to ambush the convey, putting human lives at risk.

In a worst-case situation, drones could even be used to spray harmful chemicals or biological agents over the VIP convoy.  This is a grim possibility because all the people inside the convoy would be in close quarters, should such an attack ever happen.  Since the vehicles are all bunched together, this kind of attack could place, everyone is at risk.  This is why drone defense is so important for convoy security.

Technologies for convoys

The identification and tracking of drones coming close to the convoy is done by technologies such as radar, RF sensors, and sound detection. These technologies are easily packaged in such a way that they are small enough to fit into a vehicle.

In addition to helping security in evaluating the situation, early detection makes it possible to respond quickly. Advanced systems are even able to classify the type of drone. This information helps the security team to accurately gauge the threat level.

Fortunately, all drones have a common weakness – they have to have a radio connection to the operator controlling them. Signal jamming devices exploit this weakness. Jammers have various capabilities though.

Firstly, jamming the drone’s communication could cause it to malfunction and end up colliding with the ground or nearby buildings. This, however, might cause unnecessary damage to infrastructure or even harm people.

To mitigate this, some jammers merely take over the rogue drone and instruct it to return to its operator or stop and hover where it is, without reacting to any further commands from its operator, where it will inevitably safely land on the ground when its battery runs empty.

There is a caveat to using signal jamming in a convoy, though. With this technology in use, routes need to be planned in a way that has the least impact on the privacy of innocent citizens, and businesses.

Benefits of making counter-drone technology mobile Situational awareness boost

Technologies that allow early detection allow security teams access to real-time information. Helping them to identify threats before they materialize, buying valuable time for a quick response.

Ability to act swiftly

Because they are normally housed inside a vehicle, mobile counter-drone solutions can be deployed at a very short notice period. Making them a solution that is ready to go when needed.

Adaptability to changes

Since the routes a convoy follows might constantly change, based on the situation, the mobile counter-drone unit is ideal. While moving with the convoy it will provide constant monitoring and deploy countermeasures when needed.

Conclusion

The importance of protecting people against the negative impact of rogue drones can not be overstated. Thankfully many technologies already exist to provide a deterrent against this growing threat.

Counter-drone solutions work best when deployed in a layered approach. This means that solutions should be able to offer both monitoring and deterrence in various forms. Don’t leave VIP safety to chance.  Contact the counter-drone solutions provider today for a consultation.

Featured image credit: Alessio Soggetti/Unsplash